Once again your lovely words have left me speechless. You have been extremely generous with your praise and encouragement. Thank you!

This chapter is relatively short, but I am leaving for a short vacation tomorrow, so I wanted to post this. The next part, for which most of you are probably waiting, I will write and post as soon as I am back.

Outtake-5

Mine, Finally

The month passed both quickly and slowly. There was no dearth of work for me, and I was kept busy all day with documents and meetings. There was so much about the estate I had no idea about, as my work as a stable manager had limited my area quite a bit. Also, Anthony had developed it a lot more in the years I had been away. Jenks was invaluable, patiently taking me through all the important data and introducing me to Anthony's business friends. He assured me that it was only a matter of time before I would get everything right.

James on the other hand was an insufferable ass. All he did was to praise himself and criticise Anthony and me. Many a times I had to grit my teeth in order to keep my words unspoken and clench my hands so that I might not bodily throw him out of the mansion. I was not going to take a chance antagonising him before all the formalities were complete and the documents were in my possession, complete with the royal seal.

I had hoped to see Bella before the wedding, but it seemed that she was deliberately staying away from me. Not that she had indicated otherwise on the day I had spoken with her.

Fortunately, Lizzie had no objections to see me. She was happy to see me, talked and played with me, and gave me her precious hugs and kisses without reservation. There was no doubt that she made my days bright and warmed my heart more than the summer sun outside. When I hesitantly informed her that I was going to marry her mother, her only question was—"Does that mean that you will stay here with us?"

I hugged her and promised that I was not going to leave her ever. She clapped and smiled; I smiled and quickly wiped away my tears.

When I told her that I had a brought a blue dress for her mother, to be worn on the wedding day, she asked if she too could wear blue. I agreed it was a splendid idea, and then spoke with my mother and Bella's parents, and all of us decided to have a touch of blue in our clothes on the day of the wedding. Of course, Lizzie's royal blue frock and little tiara made her look like a princess!

My first meeting with Bella's parents was rather nerve-wrecking, but I think they approved of me finally. Her father didn't say much, but he observed me keenly. I half expected him to somehow discover all my secrets by looking at me, but if he had any suspicions he kept them to himself.

My mother was happy for me, of course. Even though I had not admitted anything to her, I think she guessed that I felt something for Bella. The distracted state of my mind might have given her a clue. I am sure that there were times when she asked me something over dinner and had to repeat herself because I did not hear her the first time. Also, however much I tried to act like a mature man, I could not help smiling like a fool whenever she mentioned my upcoming nuptials to Bella.

I don't think she minded my absentmindedness. All she said was that she was happy for both me and Bella. And also for Lizzie, of course.

The ring I had ordered for Bella arrived from London in good time, with Amorem, Non Potest Esse Quod Factum Est engraved on the inside. It means that love cannot be undone. It is my pledge to her.

I know that she cannot understand the Latin words, but I am hoping that she will become curious and ask me.

There is also another ring, for me. I am aware that men seldom wear a wedding ring, but I want to belong to Bella and also want the world to know it. The words engraved on it are Amore Omnia Vincit. Love conquers all. In my case though it is more of a hope and less of a proclamation, seeing there are many obstacles in the way of our love becoming successful. I hope that she will love me one day, and that she will forgive me for all the lies I have told her, for being a part of Anthony's plans.

By the time the month nears the end, I feel comfortable at Masen Hall, and with my new title as well. All the necessary paperwork is complete and I am ready to take charge of my responsibilities. And I am definitely ready for James' departure!

The day of the wedding dawns bright and clear, a good omen. The ceremony is to be held in the garden and will be very private. I don't want the entire village gawking at Bella. Heaven knows she must be uncomfortable enough without a crowd in front of her. Her parents and siblings matter to her, and they will be here. So will be my mother.

Mrs Stanley has already conveyed to me how pleased she is that I am marrying Bella. She probably knows that I have always loved her, and that Anthony was never a real husband to her. It does not trouble me; she is very discreet.

The garden is bursting with flowers, a fitting background to my lovely bride. When I see her in the blue dress I had purchased for her, my throat becomes so dry that I am afraid I won't be able to say my vows. I had dreamt of this moment, certainly, but to see it turn into reality overwhelms me. My heart fills with so much happiness that it is a wonder it does not burst, even as my head bows with gratitude. How many people get a second chance like this?

I say my vows and hear Bella say hers, and then we exchange rings. The minister pronounces us husband and wife, and suddenly I want to be alone with Bella. If it was not for the people who are waiting to congratulate us and the meal that we are supposed to share with them, I would have carried my wife to her room right now and made sweet love to her.

Then James makes his utterly crass remark about bedding Bella quickly, and it both enrages me as well as cools me down. How can I think about lovemaking while Bella doesn't even like me? Yes, she will let me do anything I please because I am her husband now, but all I want is to please her. It is imperative that she understand this—I do not want her to accept me and my lust because it is her duty. Rather I wish her to discover the pleasure we can give each other because she wants to, perhaps even crave it in future. However difficult it is to control my baser impulse, I must do it.

I must show her, very slowly, that physical intimacy can be a wonderful thing. I must practice patience; only then will we be able to reap the fruits of being a true couple.

A.N. : Obviously, the next part is all about their discovering each other. Edward will have to be very, very patient!